Clutter-Busting Secrets of the Pros

Shop in Your Closet

Next time you're putting away laundry or dry cleaning, grab an armful of clothes that you haven't worn since you can't remember when and try them on in front of a full-length mirror, suggests Jeanine Baron, founder of Streamliners Inc., an organizing company in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. Put the ones that you would want to buy again back into circulation; donate the rest.
 
 

Toss-It Tips

• "The keepers must fit, be in style, and not need major alterations or repairs," says Baron.
• Don't let the mere fact that you paid a lot guilt you into keeping something. Your closet is prime real estate.
   

Why It Works

• You have to deal with only a few items of clothing at a time―not your whole closet.
• If your weight has fluctuated over the years, this method lets you pinpoint what fits now and bag memories of your body-size history.
• You might enjoy it, especially if you unearth a long-buried treasure.